Pwllheli RNLI responds to capsized dinghies during youth sailing event

As wind conditions rapidly deteriorated, numerous dinghies, taking part in a RYA Youth Nationals, capsized. The RNLI was called to support the event's designated rescue boats in assisting the number of young sailors requiring assistance.

Pwllheli RNLI D-class inshore lifeboat was launched to assist and to help determine how many vessels and individuals were still unaccounted for.

Andy Vowel, Pwllheli RNLI Lifeboat Operations Manager said:

‘Our volunteer crew was tasked by HM Coastguard to assist with what was initially reported as approximately 15 capsized sailing dinghies. Subsequent updates from race organisers confirmed that four boats remained outstanding, with several unmanned dinghies observed drifting. It was confirmed that crews from these had already been rescued by the event’s support craft and taken safely ashore.The lifeboat remained on scene to assist and ensure that all participants were accounted for.’

Gerallt Williams, spokesman for Plas Heli where the event took place, said:

‘On behalf of Plas Heli and the RYA, thank you for your assistance in launching the D-class lifeboat in what were extremely challenging conditions. Your assistance was greatly appreciated. Thanks to all involved.’

This event took place just one day after the event had been visited by HRH The Princess Royal to celebrate 150 years of the Royal Yachting Association and championing the future of British sailing.

Once it was confirmed that all the sailors were accounted for, the lifeboat returned to station, refuelled, and made ready for service.

Notes to editors

Pwllheli lifeboat station has been operating since 1891. To learn more about the lifeboat station go to: https://rnli.org/find-my-nearest/lifeboat-stations/pwllheli-lifeboat-station

Photos: see attached

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

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RNLI online

For more information, please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the RNLI News Centre.

Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 146,000 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, X, TikTok and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.